
Meteoric astronomy: A treatise on shooting-stars, fire-balls, and aerolites
Unveiling the Mysteries of Celestial EventsBy Daniel KirkwoodLength2h 47m
About this audiobook
In "Meteoric Astronomy: A Treatise on Shooting-Stars, Fire-Balls, and Aerolites," Daniel Kirkwood presents a meticulous exploration of meteoric phenomena, examining the nature, classification, and observational science behind shooting stars, fireballs, and meteorites. Employing a rigorous scientific style characteristic of mid-19th century natural philosophy, Kirkwood integrates observational data with theoretical frameworks, drawing on the burgeoning field of astronomy to illuminate the relationships between these celestial occurrences and their terrestrial impacts. This treatise serves not only as a detailed catalog of meteoric events but also as a reflection of the period'Äôs increasing interest in empiricism and the scientific method in understanding natural phenomena. Daniel Kirkwood, an eminent astronomer and professor, was profoundly influenced by the scientific advancements of his time, including the work of contemporaries like Olbers and Herschel. His background in both mathematics and astronomy fueled his drive to unravel the mysteries of meteoric phenomena, which were often shrouded in superstition and misunderstanding. Kirkwood's commitment to transforming meteoric studies into a serious scientific discipline is evident throughout this work, as he systematically organizes and presents his findings. This book is highly recommended for amateur astronomers, astrobiologists, and scholars interested in the historical context of astronomical studies. Kirkwood'Äôs blend of empirical analysis and clear prose makes it both an informative resource and a captivating read for anyone keen on understanding the dynamic interplay between celestial objects and our planet.
Audiobook details
GenreScience and Nature
Length2 hrs 47 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 18, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1PREFACE.
18I. The Epoch of November 11th–14th.
2INTRODUCTION. A GENERAL VIEW OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM.
19II. The Epoch of August 7th–11th.
3METEORIC ASTRONOMY.
20III. The Epoch of December 6th–13th.
4CHAPTER I. SHOOTING-STARS.
21IV. The Epoch of April 18th–26th.
5I. The Meteors of November 12th–14th.
22V. The Epoch of April 9th–12th.
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6The Shower of November 14, 1866.: The Meteors of 1866 compared with those of former Displays.
23CHAPTER VI. PHENOMENA SUPPOSED TO BE METEORIC—METEORIC DUST—DARK DAYS.
7Discussion of the Phenomena.
24Meteoric Transits—Dark Days.
8Elements of the Orbit.
25Partial Interception of the Sun's Light and Heat.
9CHAPTER II. OTHER METEORIC RINGS.
26CHAPTER VII. FURTHER RESEARCHES OF REICHENBACH—THEORY OF METEORS—STABILITY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM—DOCTRINE OF A RESISTING MEDIUM.
10II. The Meteors of August 6th–11th.
27CHAPTER VIII. DOES THE NUMBER OF AEROLITIC FALLS VARY WITH THE EARTH'S DISTANCE FROM THE SUN?—RELATIVE NUMBERS OBSERVED IN THE FORENOON AND AFTERNOON—EXTENT OF THE ATMOSPHERE AS INDICATED BY METEORS.
11III. The Meteors of April 18th–26th.
28CHAPTER IX. THE METEORIC THEORY OF SOLAR HEAT.: The Meteoric Theory.
12IV. The Meteors of December 6th–13th.
29CHAPTER X. WILL THE METEORIC THEORY ACCOUNT FOR THE PHENOMENA OF VARIABLE AND TEMPORARY STARS?: Variable and Temporary Stars.
13V. The Meteors of January 2d–3d.
30CHAPTER XI. THE LUNAR AND SOLAR THEORIES OF THE ORIGIN OF AEROLITES.
14General Remarks.
31The Lunar Theory.
15CHAPTER III. AEROLITES.
32The Solar Theory.
16CHAPTER IV. CONJECTURES IN REGARD TO METEORIC EPOCHS.: The Epoch of November 29.
33CHAPTER XII. THE RINGS OF SATURN.
17CHAPTER V. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF METEORIC STONES—DO AEROLITIC FALLS OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY BY DAY THAN BY NIGHT?—DO METEORITES, BOLIDES, AND THE MATTER OF ORDINARY SHOOTING-STARS, COEXIST IN THE SAME RINGS?
34CHAPTER XIII. THE ASTEROID RING BETWEEN MARS AND JUPITER.: Remarks on the foregoing Table.